Epilogue #2
Dr. Maddox starts her exam. “Fill me in on when this started.”
I’m groaning and wailing, so Jami answers.
“We had sex last night, and she lost her mucus plug right after. Her contractions started about an hour after that, but they were sporadic. She thought they were Braxton Hicks because she said they didn’t hurt that much.
Every time I checked on her today, she was having one, and then her water broke about forty-five minutes ago. ”
“Some women in early labor don’t think they are because it can mimic the same feeling as Braxton Hicks.
Sex can spur on labor, so I suspect you’ve been going through the stages since last night.
” She feels around inside me. “Dori, you’re one hundred percent effaced and almost ten centimeters dilated. ”
“But I haven’t had an epidural yet. I can’t do this without one.” I turn my head to Jami.
He knows what I need without me saying it. He hurries to my side, wiping my hair from my face.
“Do you want me to pull your hair up?” His gentle tone soothes me. “Or I can rub your back. Whatever you need, I’m right here. And I’m sure they’ll get the epidural placed soon.”
Dr. Maddox finishes up. “Dori, you’re too far along in the process. By the time an epidural is placed and working, it will be too late.”
“I need one though. Please. I seriously think I’m going to die.” I reach for Jami’s hand.
“You’re progressing fast, so unfortunately you won’t be able to get one.” Dr. Maddox addresses one of the delivery nurses. “Make sure everything is prepared. I think she’ll be ready to push in a few minutes.”
Jami takes my hand, and I glare at him.
“Tell them I need the drugs. We’ll pay extra.”
“Sweetness, they said it’s too late for that, but I’ll be right by your side.”
Another contraction hits. I squeeze Jami’s hand, about to break it as he tries to help me do my breathing exercises. They do nothing to help.
I cry, hoping someone will give in to my begging. “I think something is wrong. It shouldn’t be going this fast. I was supposed to get drugs.”
“Dori, I’m going to need you to focus on your breathing. Jami’s here to support you. The team is ready, and as soon as you get the urge to push, we can deliver your baby. I bet you’re excited to learn the sex.” Dr. Maddox glances at the fetal monitor. “The baby’s doing great.”
Jami beams down at me. “Are you ready to meet our little one?”
“Yes, but I don’t want to do this part.”
“I know, but you’re doing such a good job.” He kisses the side of my face.
I want to scream at him and make him feel what I am. If he did, there’s no way he'd say I can do this.
I throw my head back and mash my eyes shut. Never did I expect the birth of my child to go like this.
Nobody is listening to me. Just as I’m about to beg for the drugs, a different sensation hits me. One that mortifies me .
I pull Jami closer. “I have to go to the bathroom, and I don’t mean pee.”
“That’s the urge to push.” Dr. Maddox sits down and does a quick exam. “You can push whenever you need. Are you ready to meet your baby?”
“Right now?” Jami and I ask at the same time.
Dr. Maddox smiles at us. “Whenever you’re ready, you can push.”
I move up to my elbows and start the delivery process with Jami by my side the entire time. I push for about two hours before Dr. Maddox tells us she can see the head.
“Dad, do you want to take a peek?” She gestures slightly behind her and off to the side. “You can stand here and watch if you want.”
He gazes into my eyes with longing. “Are you okay if I do? I’ll stay right here if you want.”
“You’ve been coaching me this entire time. Go watch, and I’ll let you know if I need you.” I rest back, taking a break. “I’m getting tired.”
“Just a little more, Dori.” Dr. Maddox glances at the monitor. “Get ready. Another one is coming on.”
I use all my strength to bring myself up and push.
Jami gasps and laughs with pride. “Dori, I wish you could see this. The baby has so much hair.”
I grunt and give it all I’ve got.
Dr. Maddox shifts closer. “Dori, you can keep pushing as long as you can. The baby is almost out.”
Thank God!
I hold my legs back and use all my remaining strength. There’s a searing sting as the head pops out. I think that’s it, but Dr. Maddox lets me know that’s not the case.
“Keep going, Dori. The shoulders are almost out.”
I give my last reserves and force the baby out. Instant relief flows over me, and I lie back .
Dr. Maddox notes the time of birth, and the nurse writes it down.
“She’s a girl.” Jami stares in awe at our newborn. His teary gaze comes to mine. “We have a little girl.”
Dr. Maddox clears her nasal passages and places her on my chest as the nurse wipes her off.
An overwhelming wave of love envelops me as I peer down at the little angel, who’s trying to open her eyes and squirming in my arms. “She’s tiny. And look at all her dark hair.”
“Can you believe it? We have a little girl.” Jami kisses me as a few rogue tears trickle down his cheeks. “You did great. I’m so proud of you.”
“Do you want to cut the umbilical cord?” Dr. Maddox asks.
“Yes.” Jami takes the scissors from her and cuts.
He comes back and cares for me and our daughter with kisses and caresses as I finish the delivery. His emotions are uncontainable.
“I love you two more than anything in the world. You’ve made my life complete.” He wipes his face with his hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever cried like this. You must think I’m weak after what you just went through.”
“No. I think you’re experiencing an indescribable love for our daughter.” I gaze up at him. “It’s okay. I think the situation calls for it.”
The nurse breaks in. “I need to take her for a minute and get her vitals.”
I hand her over and rest as the nurse moves off to the side. Jami takes my hand but watches with a protective eye over our daughter.
As Dr. Maddox finishes stitching me up, she asks if we have a name picked out. We smile at each other.
He nuzzles me. “Her name is Naraya. ”
“Naraya Stone.” Dr. Maddox gives the other nurse a nod. “That’s a beautiful name. Is there a significance?”
I squeeze Jami’s hand. “It means eternal because she’s eternally loved.”
Just as Jami has an eternal love for his deceased son, we will love our daughter for eternity. It’s the perfect name, as our love for each other is for eternity too.
The End…